The heart break for war refugees risking their lives for the hope of freedom and security is almost unbearable. Daily there is news of hundreds of people dying in horrific manners trying to flee what can only be unimaginable conditions.

Families like those of Aylan and Galip try to stay together. The boys’ mother, Rehan, didn’t know how to feed or support her family if her husband, Abdullah fled alone. So despite knowing the risks that other refugees had faced crossing the waters on a small 15 foot boat, they boarded the vessel together in the darkness before the dawn.

With far more people than capacity, waves of a storm overtook the boat and it began to capsize. Rehan’s biggest fear became a reality – she didn’t know how to swim and neither did her children. They lost their lives with Aylan’s body washing up onto the shore of a Turkish beach resort, leaving Abdullah the only survivor of the family.

What would Mother Mary do? Mary and Joseph were refugees when Jesus was an infant.  She understands and has compassion for those who must leave their homes in the middle of the night to avoid death.  Mary would pray for peace, she would be peace. She would show compassion for those without a place to lay their head by inviting them into her home. She would protect the children. She would encourage the refugees to contribute their talents and gifts as a peace making tool.

A woman on a boat tries to escape a storm and go towards the sunset.

And so I ask for your help in praying for peace among all nations, all people and all faiths so people may safely return to their homes, their communities, their countries and once again be able to feed, shelter and educate their children.

I pray that nations show mercy and compassion to house the refugees in a humane manner until a more permanent solution can be found.

I pray that no children are abused, misused, abandoned or harmed. May the communities watch and care for the children as their most valued possessions. May angels be by their sides always.

I pray that the refugees utilize their God given gifts to contribute to the welfare of the nations who take them in. May their gratitude be the olive branch for peace.

I pray that the women all over the world have the education, skills and opportunities to support their families if their husbands are unable. May no family have to risk their lives to live a better one.

May the dawn come and bring a new day where peace can reign on earth.

May Peace Be With You Always!